Gurode recalls conversation with Emmitt Smith

Pro Bowl center Andre Gurode is the only player on the roster who played with Emmitt Smith when he was with the Cowboys. Right guard Leonard Davis played with Smith when the two were with Arizona.

Gurode was a rookie in 2002 when Smith surpassed Walter Payton as the career rushing leader.

Gurode was asked to share his memories of Smith, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday night in Canton, Ohio.

“I actually remember him coming to me during that game before he broke the record,” Gurode said. “I was suffering from a couple of injuries and he said, ‘All right big fellow. You’ve got to suck it up.’ And I said, ‘Hey. You know what? If it means me being on the field with one leg to make sure you break the record, I’ll get it done.’